Henman and Agassi to mark Wimbledon roof opening

Tim Henman and Kim Clijsters will face married couple Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi in an exhibition event to celebrate the completion of Wimbledon's Centre Court roof, it was announced today.

The 17 May showpiece, which is also being used as a test event to make sure the new roof and air management system are functioning properly, will feature a men's singles, a ladies' singles and a mixed doubles match.

Ian Ritchie, the chief Executive of the All England Club, said: "We set out to make Wimbledon the world's premier tennis event.

"The new retractable Centre Court roof, and air management system, is another important part of The Championships' progression and will guarantee the play that today's audiences expect.

"With players of the calibre of Agassi, Graf, Clijsters and Henman this test event promises to be hugely entertaining."

Seven-time Wimbledon champion Graf added: "There is no tennis venue more special to me than Centre Court at Wimbledon. It just doesn't get any better.

"I couldn't be more honoured to play there again with my husband Andre, and tennis greats Kim and Tim. It will mean so much to return to Wimbledon and see so many familiar places, relive so many wonderful memories."

Henman said: "Wimbledon's Centre Court was always a special place for me and it's just great to have the chance to play there again with the likes of Andre, Steffi and Kim.

"I think it will be a really fun day for everyone and the new roof is going to make it a fascinating experience."